On 28th July, Simon Collinson attended the Commonwealth Business Forum at the start of CWG22, representing the University as a 1st tier sponsor of the Games, meeting with Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi at the University of Birmingham stand.
On 5th August, Simon Collinson chaired a roundtable on digital skills, with UoB partnering with hosts PwC and other major firms, including HSBC, Goldman Sacs, and Microsoft. This focused on bridging the gap between the demand and supply of digital skills which threatens to constrain future economic growth in the region.
On 8th August, following presentations by the Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Nigel Huddlestone, and the Mayor, Andy Street, Simon Collinson chaired the first plenary session at CWG22 ‘Legacy Day’ at The Exchange, currently DIT’s UK House. This focused on how the region can use the success of the games to help boost inclusive economic growth over the long term. (the panel was comprised of Matt Hammond, Senior Partner, Midlands – PwC and Chair of WMGC, Chris Oglesby, Chief Executive – Bruntwood, Ruth Griffin, Partner – Gowling, and Bek Seely, European Managing Director for Development – LendLease).
On 25th August, Dr. Juliane Schwarz presented at the 61. European Regional Study Association Congress in Pecs, Hungary, on Business Start-up Accelerators and their Impact on Attending Enterprises.
On the 25th of August Dr. Matt Lyons presented a paper: Understanding the ‘2020 Shock’ in the UK Automotive Sector At the ERSA conference: European Regional Science Association (ERSA) 61st Annual Congress – Disparities in a Digitalizing (Post-Covid) World.
Media engagements
Simon Collinson featured on BBC Radio WM on 9th August discussing the impact of the Commonwealth Games on the University of Birmingham, the city, and the region. (Listen from 2:24:44)
